One of the most important productions of the Israeli Opera's 25th anniversary season is the world premiere of the opera The Child Dreams, based on the most poetic and lyric play by the late Hanoch Levin, undoubtedly, one of Israel's greatest playwrights.
With his stage design, costumes, make-up and videos, Gottfried Helnwein created a breathtaking and revolutionary new visual realization for that play. Together with director Omri Nitzan he developed a new conception for the adaption as an opera . Composed is the opera by Israeli composer Gil Shohat, and David Stern, the Israeli Opera's music director, is conducting this new opera featuring closed to 20 Israeli opera singers on the stage.
Helnwein also included dancer and choreographer Gregor Seyffert who is in charge of the choreography.

Installation for the opera 'The Child Dreams'

2010, by Hanoch Levin, music: Gil Shoat, New Israeli Opera, Tel Aviv

"The discovery of Hanoch Levin's play "The Child Dreams" was a shock and an epiphany for me. Never before was the work of another artist so close to my own inner pictures. It was as if this play was dedicated to all the children that had appeared in my work and to all those that are yet to come."

The opera "The child dreams" will premiere Mon January 18, 2010 (20:00)

A world première, based on one of the most important Israeli plays of all time by Hanoch Levin. A journey of escape towards the unknown in an opera featuring death and despair intertwined with a hope for a better future.

Sung in HebrewSurtitles in English and HebrewLength of performance: approx. two hours

"This is Hanoch Levin's most poetic play and his greatest achievement." (Yediot Ahharonot)

PROPHETIC DEAD CHILD:

"I saw an angel: He was sailing in the sun,diving slowly as if in a sea of honey,and he came down and whispered to me:"Oh little lambs, silent screamers,oh. my tender, impatient dead,a tiny error was made in the inventory and now it's final: one more child."

(a silence of disbelief)

"That's what he told me. 'Rest just a little moreOnly one more child."